Exploring strategies for recycling polymer-based solid-state batteries during their development

Research Project, 2024 – 2026

Solid-state battery (SSB) technology uses a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid electrolyte as used in Li-ion batteries. Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) eliminates the several disadvantages of liquid electrolyte batteries and provides higher safety due to eliminating leakage and minimizing thermal runaway risk. It also increases working limitations such as temperature and voltage limit as well as improves the electrochemical performance of the battery system. However, ion conductivity, mechanical properties and voltage window of the SSE with a reasonable organics and lithium salt combination, and also integrated battery design are the challenges to developing next -generation SSBs and their widespread implementation Additionally, recycling options for solid electrolytes are unknown and barely studied. The project aims to investigate the recyclability of the SPEs combination by supercritical fluid technology during its development stage for high-performance SSBs. The idea is to implement a circularity perspective to the battery research and industry during battery development by exploring a simultaneous recycling strategy. Through this approach, we will design straightforward recyclable SPE with high electrochemical and mechanical performance.